Student Finances

Undergraduate Tuition Model

The University of Missouri Board of Curators has approved a new tuition structure to simplify students’ bills and eliminate course fees. 

For undergraduate students, there are three tuition tiers. The tier is based on a student’s degree plan. Look up rates by major for undergraduate programs on the Cashiers website.

Mizzou also has a plateau (a flat rate charge) for students who take 12 to 18 credit hours per semester. Students should continue to work with their academic advisors to create course schedules most appropriate to their learning needs and programs of study.

 

Tuition Model FAQ

What is the new tuition model?

The new tuition model will make tuition more transparent, predictable and simplify students’ bills. Each degree plan will be assigned one of the three tier rates for tuition based on a student’s degree plan. Undergraduate students will pay a flat tuition rate according to their major for course loads ranging from 12 to 18 hours.

 

What is plateaued tuition?

Plateau tuition, which is only available to undergraduate students, means students will pay a single, flat rate of tuition when taking 12 to 18 credit hours a semester. Undergraduate students who take an average of 15 credit hours per semester can finish in 4 years.

 

How are the tiers determined for tuition pricing?

Tuition tiers will correspond to the cost of delivering the degree, factoring in the cost of specialized facilities, equipment and faculty.

 

How does this help students graduate sooner?

By keeping tuition flat for course loads between 12 and 18 hours, undergraduate students will have the option to take additional credits at no additional cost, giving them the opportunity to graduate faster.

 

Will I still pay course fees?

No. Under the new model, course fees will be eliminated, giving undergraduate students and their families a simplified bill and a more predictable cost per semester. Fees for Student Health, Student Activity and Recreation Center will remain.

 

Is the financial aid structure going to change, too?

Students are at the center of our financial aid strategy, and we will continue to prioritize affordability as we adapt aid packages alongside the new model.  Financial aid offers will be released in early- to mid-spring.

 

What if I haven’t declared a major?

Each student has a major or a degree plan – even if it is undecided/exploring or undeclared in an academic program. Each degree plan will be placed in one of the three tiers, and that information will be available in Spring 2023.

 

Will there still be fees?

Some student fees remain, such as Student Health, Student Rec and Student Activity. These will continue to appear as line items on a student’s bill.

 

Is there a different rate for Missouri residents and nonresidents?

There will be an additional flat rate charge for nonresidents taking a course load within the plateau structure (12-18 hours). Nonresident students taking course loads above or below the plateau will pay a nonresident per credit hour rate.

 

What if a student takes fewer than 12 hours?

Tuition will be charged per credit hour for students enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours. It’s important to remember that to be considered full-time, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours in a semester. If a student is enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours, financial aid will be affected.

 

What if a student takes more than 18 hours?

Students who take 19 hours or more will pay the plateau rate for 18 hours and be charged a per credit hour rate for each hour above that. Students should continue to work with their academic advisors to create course schedules that are most appropriate to their learning needs and programs of study.

 

What if a student changes their major?

Students will pay the tier rate for their degree plan as of the last day to register for a regular session class.  If a student changes majors after that day, the billing tier will not update. See the Academic Calendar for the date.

 

Can I choose a less expensive major?

Students should choose a degree plan that interests them. Academic advisors help students select courses and create a plan for graduation. Changing majors can lead to changes in this plan and potentially delay graduation. Students should work with their advisors to align their academic studies with a fulfilling career.

 

What if a student has declared two (or more) majors?

The plateaued and tiered structure still applies. Students will pay according to the degree plan with the highest tier rate of their selected majors.

 

What are the new rates?

 The Board of Curators will approve new rates in late spring 2023.